Researchers at bioscience and genetic engineering company Colossal on Monday reported bringing back the dire wolf species from extinction through genetically engineered wolves bearing similar traits.
“Meet Romulus and Remus—the first animals ever resurrected from extinction. The dire wolf, lost to history over 10,000 years ago, has returned. Reborn on October 1, 2024, these remarkable pups were brought back to life using ancient DNA extracted from fossilized remains,” Colossal posted on social media.
According to the “de-extinction” company, the two wolves were the product of genetic edits derived from a complete dire wolf genome that was meticulously reconstructed from ancient DNA found in fossils dating back 11,500 and 72,000 years.
“This achievement is the result of years of pioneering science, tireless innovation, and unwavering dedication. It marks a major milestone not only for our company, but for science, conservation, and humanity,” Colossal wrote.
“With the birth of Romulus and Remus, de-extinction is no longer theory—it’s reality. There’s more work ahead, but this moment redefines what’s possible for the planet’s future,” it added.
However, independent scientists have since expressed skepticism on Colossal’s de-extinction claim.
“All you can do now is make something look superficially like something else,” University at Buffalo biologist Vincent Lynch said in an Associated Press report.